Glenn McGrath, the former Australian cricket legend, has expressed concerns regarding the selection of all-rounder Cameron Green over proven player Steve Smith in the wake of Australia’s disappointing early exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup. Australia entered the tournament as one of the favorites but was eliminated in the group stage, raising eyebrows about team selections.
Green, touted for his all-around capabilities, struggled during the tournament, accumulating just 24 runs in three matches. His performance included a mere 21 runs in his first appearance, but in the crucial matches, he fell short, scoring a duck in one and just three runs in another. Notably, he also bowled only seven deliveries throughout the three games, prompting McGrath to question his place on the team. “If he’s not bowling, then what the selectors are saying is that he’s a better player than Steve Smith. I just can’t see how he justifies a spot in that side,” McGrath stated, reflecting the sentiment shared by many fans and analysts.
Australia’s pre-tournament preparations were hampered by injuries, which ultimately affected their performance. After a victory against Ireland in their opening match, the team suffered consecutive defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, leading to their exit from the tournament. Zimbabwe’s washout match against Ireland played a pivotal role in sealing Australia’s fate, as it allowed Zimbabwe to secure crucial points.
McGrath lamented the shift in the Australian team’s once-formidable aura, stating, “We said at the start of this World Cup that we were concerned about Australia. All of a sudden, the aura of that Australian team is no longer there when other teams play it. Unfortunately, it’s not surprising.” Former cricketer Jason Gillespie echoed these sentiments, also casting doubt on the selections of Green and Cooper Connolly, who have not lived up to expectations.
As the tournament draws to a close for Australia, they prepare to face Oman in their final match on Friday at the Pallekele International Stadium in Sri Lanka. Despite the disappointment of their World Cup journey, there remains an opportunity for the team to learn from these challenging experiences and rebuild for the future.